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The cost of a pint could rise by more than 30p in the New Year it has been revealed.

The predicted price rise is partly as a result of Brexit but the steep increase, if it happens, would be down to a trio of factors facing pub companies.

As well as Brexit-related inflation, pub companies face rising costs due to soaring business rates and the introduction of the minimum wage, all of which combined are expected to add four per cent to overheads.

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The problem was highlighted in a report in last weekend’s Sunday Times, which said big pub operators like Greene King, Fuller’s and Mitchells and Butlers have warned the Government they will be forced to increase prices by as much as 30p as things stand, unless action is taken.

In the wake of the report Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers Kate Nicholls told trade publication The Morning Advertiser price rises were “inevitable”.

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“There is no reason to suggest, from our viewpoint, that prices are set to rise in the near future.”

But just as other pub companies are calling for Government action to offset the effects of Brexit, rising business rates and the introduction of the minimum wage, JD Wetherspoon is urging the Chancellor to reduce VAT.

He added: “We would argue that the Government could reduce the level of VAT that pubs pay for food in comparison to supermarkets, which we believe would ultimately lead to lower prices for food and drink in pubs.”